Meru Hotel Counts Losses After Disruption of FKF Meeting

The management of Three Steers Hotel in Meru is planning to sue for damages after police and suspected goons disrupted the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Special General Meeting held at the hotel. The disruption occurred when police officers allegedly from outside Meru County fired tear gas canisters, causing chaos and disrupting preparations for the meeting. Hotel staff and management expressed frustration and anger over the incident, which they claim has caused significant losses.

According to hotel General Manager James Kithinji, the police officers who disrupted the meeting had no badges and were threatening to enter guests' rooms. Kithinji confronted one of the officers, who told him that the meeting would not be allowed to take place. The hotel's Director, Florence Muthuri, stated that the disruption also affected a wedding and other events being held at the hotel. The incident has left the hotel management considering a lawsuit to recover losses.

The FKF Special General Meeting was convened by the federation's General Assembly to discuss resolutions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on April 24. The meeting had generated tension, with some NEC members' conduct set to be discussed. FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Vice President Mcdonald Mariga were present at the hotel, along with representatives from FIFA, CAF, and the State Department of Sports.

County Commissioner George Omollo and Police Commander Moses Mutisya arrived at the scene, restoring order and allowing the meeting to proceed. The police officers from outside Meru County left the venue in lorries, leaving local police to take charge. Hotel staff reported that some delegates were still in their rooms when the police and suspected goons gained entry to the hotel.

The disruption has sparked outrage, with hotel management and staff expressing disappointment and frustration over the police's actions. Kithinji stated that the hotel has been built over many years and that the police's actions were unacceptable. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of police officers and their role in maintaining security and order.

The FKF meeting proceeded after the restoration of order, with attendees including FIFA Senior Governance Services Manager Bruno Comicholi and CAF Legal Manager Nnaemeka A. Olu. The meeting's agenda included discussions on NEC members' conduct and implications for FKF operations. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by FKF and the need for stability and security in the organization.

The hotel management's decision to sue for damages reflects the severity of the incident and the impact on the hotel's operations. The disruption has caused significant losses, and the hotel is seeking compensation for the damages incurred. The incident has also raised questions about police accountability and the need for officers to respect the law and protect citizens' rights.

Key points

• The hotel management plans to sue for damages after the disruption caused significant losses.
• The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and accountability.
• The FKF meeting proceeded after the restoration of order, with attendees from FIFA, CAF, and the State Department of Sports.